Miami, Florida Bench Warrants Attorney

Knowledgeable Attorney Helping Clients Resolve Warrants Issued for Failure to Appear in Miami, FL

Learning that there is a warrant for your arrest can be a frightening situation. If a judge has issued a bench warrant because you failed to appear for a scheduled court hearing or violated a court order, you will need to understand how to respond. Although a bench warrant may not lead to an immediate arrest, you could be taken into custody at any time.

If you have an outstanding bench warrant in Miami, it is crucial to take action before the situation escalates. Ignoring the warrant can lead to severe consequences, including the possibility of being arrested and facing additional charges or increased penalties. At The Hoffman Firm, our Miami bench warrant attorney can help you address the issue by negotiating with the court, arranging for the warrant to be lifted, and minimizing your potential penalties.

When Can a Bench Warrant Be Issued?

Failure to Appear in Court

Missing a scheduled court appearance—whether for a traffic violation or a misdemeanor or felony case—can result in an automatic bench warrant. Florida law treats failure to appear as a separate criminal offense, and depending on the underlying offense, a person could face either misdemeanor or felony charges.

Failure to Comply With Court Orders

Bench warrants may also be issued in situations where court orders were not followed correctly, such as:

• Failing to pay court-ordered fines or restitution
• Violating the terms of probation or failing to complete required programs (such as anger management or substance abuse counseling)
• Ignoring subpoenas or failing to appear as a witness in a legal proceeding

Violation of Release Conditions

If a person is released on bail or their own recognizance and violates the conditions of their release, such as missing check-ins with a pretrial officer or traveling outside of a specific geographical area without permission, the court may issue a bench warrant. This can lead to the revocation of bail and an immediate arrest.

Effects of a Bench Warrant

Having an outstanding bench warrant in Florida can lead to serious legal and personal consequences, including:

• Immediate Arrest: Law enforcement officers have the authority to arrest a person with a bench warrant at any time, including during a traffic stop.
• Suspended Driver's License: In many cases, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) may suspend a person's driver's license until the warrant is resolved.
• Increased Penalties: A bench warrant can lead to additional charges, fines, or a higher bond amount if a person is re-arrested.
• Denial of Bail: If a person has a history of failing to appear in court, a judge may refuse to grant bail, or they may impose stricter pretrial conditions.
• Difficulty in Employment or Travel: A bench warrant may appear on background checks, potentially affecting job opportunities, security clearances, and travel plans.

How Our Miami Bench Warrant Defense Attorney Can Help

At The Hoffman Firm, we can take proactive steps to help resolve the warrant and prevent further legal consequences. We can assist by:

• Filing a Motion to Quash the Warrant:Our lawyer can argue that the failure to appear was unintentional or was due to extenuating circumstances. If the judge grants the motion, the warrant may be lifted without requiring an arrest.
• Negotiating With the Court:Our attorney can communicate with the court and prosecution to arrange for a voluntary court appearance rather than an arrest. This may include negotiating for reduced penalties or alternative resolutions, such as community service or a payment plan for outstanding fines.
• Preventing Arrest and Jail Time:In situations involving non-violent offenses, our lawyer may be able to appear in court on behalf of the client, preventing them from being taken into custody. If an in-person appearance is required, our attorney can help arrange for a scheduled surrender rather than an unexpected arrest.
• Handling Related Criminal Charges:Our lawyer can address both the warrant and the underlying case, working to achieve the best possible outcome. We can provide a defense against misdemeanor or felony charges, and strategies may include seeking a case dismissal, negotiating a plea deal, or arguing for alternative sentencing options.

Contact Our Miami Bench Warrant Attorney

If you have learned that you have an outstanding bench warrant in Miami, taking immediate legal action is the best way to protect yourself from further penalties. At The Hoffman Firm, our lawyer can help you resolve this issue while providing you with a defense against any criminal charges you may face. Do not risk an unexpected arrest. Arrange a free consultation by contacting our office at 305-249-0090.